M.I.A., born Mathangi "Maya" Arulpragasam, has become one of the most prominent names in popular urban electronic music today. Her song “Paper Planes” has been a chart-topping hit, featured in multiple movies, including the blockbusters Slumdog Millionaire and Pineapple Express. It wasn’t until the release of this song that she became such a mainstream artist. Nonetheless, her unique and peculiar sound remains, with no plans to sell out to more gentrified rap and electronic music. Written and recorded in 2006, “Kala,” M.I.A.’s sophomore effort, is named after her mother. Created in stages throughout several continents across the world, in countries including Jamaica, India, Trinidad, Liberia, Japan, Australia, the UK, and the US. M.I.A. obviously utilized her surroundings in order to produce her undeniably unique “world electro fusion” sound. Featuring production by well-known producers Timbaland, Switch, and Blaqstarr, and Diplo, the songs feel like instant hits but nonetheless shine with exceptional complexity.
| A1 | Bamboo Banga |
| A2 | Birdflu |
| A3 | Boyz |
| B1 | Jimmy |
| B2 | Hussel |
| B3 | Manglo Pickle Down River |
| C1 | 20 Dollar |
| C2 | World Town |
| C3 | The Turn |
| D1 | XR2 |
| D2 | Paper Planes |
| D3 | Come Around |
